The Next Generation Grenade Has Two Deadly Modes

The Army is developing a new hand grenade than can switch between fragmentation and concussion effects.

The Army is designing a new lethal hand grenade that can switched from fragmentation to a concussion grenade. Called the “enhanced tactical multipurpose hand grenade,” it will fill a capability gap from 1975, when the MK3A2 concussion grenade was taken out of service due to an asbestos hazard, according to an Army news release.

“They are currently carrying one M67 grenade that provides lethal fragmentation effects,” explained Jessica Perciballi, a project officer for the ET-MP grenade. “With the new multi-purpose grenade, they can carry one ET-MP grenade and have the ability to choose either fragmentation or concussive effects desired for the situation.”

The grenade is also designed for ambidextrous use, and can be armed and thrown from either hand with ease. Additionally, it has new safety features.

U.S. Army photo by Herbert Wortmann

A Soldier at Fort. Benning throws a prototype, inert grenade from the kneeling position.

“With these upgrades in the ET-MP, not only is the fuze timing completely electronic, but the detonation train is also out-of-line,” explained Matthew Hall, a development lead on the project. “Detonation time can now be narrowed down into milliseconds, and until armed, the hand grenade will not be able to detonate.”

U.S. Army photo by Herbert Wortmann

Soldiers, Marines and engineers gather to evaluate and down-select various grenade body and arming designs.

The request for a new hand grenade came in 2010, and funding for research was approved in 2013. Since then, Picatinny engineers have collaborated with active duty soldiers and Marines to determine what frontline combat troops need in a hand grenade. By 2020, the ET-MP is expected to move to the next stage in its development at the Project Manager Close Combat Systems, which is also located at Picatinny Arsenal.

James Clark is a staff writer for Task & Purpose. He is a former Marine combat correspondent and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. You can reach him via email at [email protected]
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